EFL Cup fourth round opens with Fleetwood hosting Arsenal
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The gist
Thirteen Premier League clubs remain as the EFL Cup fourth round runs 27–29 October, with Fleetwood hosting Arsenal.
Fleetwood's tie is sold out for the first time in 11 or 12 years.
Background
The EFL Cup is England's knockout cup competition for clubs across the top four divisions, and the fourth round falls between Premier League Matchweeks 8 and 9. Thirteen Premier League clubs are still in it, including six all-Premier League ties, while only three lower-league clubs remain: Bradford City, Fleetwood Town and Peterborough United. Fleetwood, a League Two side managed by Matt Lawlor, host Arsenal on Tuesday, and the club has sold out for the first time in 11 or 12 years.
How it unfolded
- Sep 2026The third round is played, with Man City beating Norwich City 5-0, Liverpool beating Spurs 3-1 and Chelsea beating Leeds United 6-3, among other results.
- Oct 25, 2026Man City confirm a fourth-round home tie with Brighton for Wednesday 28 October, kick-off 19:30 UK time at the Etihad Stadium.
- Oct 26, 2026The Premier League clears three midweek nights from 27–29 October for the fourth round, with 13 Premier League clubs still in the competition.
- Oct 26, 2026Fleetwood manager Matt Lawlor says his side will show respect but not fear against Arsenal, with the club sold out for the first time in 11 or 12 years.
- Oct 27, 2026BBC radio and live text coverage of the fourth round begins with Bradford v Peterborough and Fleetwood v Arsenal on Tuesday evening.
- Oct 28, 2026Man City host Brighton at the Etihad Stadium, kick-off 19:30 UK time.
Who’s saying what
- Caution
- Fleetwood manager Matt Lawlor said respect for Arsenal is "through the roof" but fear "can't be" in his players.
- Support
- Lawlor called the tie "an amazing night for the club and an amazing night for the fans, the town and the area" and praised Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta as "a winner."